THIS TEACHER NEEDS ASSIGNMENT

Lindsey Novak and Lauren Spier. Special to the TribuneCHICAGO TRIBUNE

Problem: I'm a teacher with 20 years of experience and three college degrees. Because of family matters, I had to leave the school system I was in. Since then, I have applied extensively for jobs and traveled to recruiting fairs in several states.

A few recruiters have been honest enough to say they cannot afford me on their salary scale. I've told all who have interviewed me that I am willing to waive some of my experience and/or degrees, only to be told this would not be allowed by their associations or unions.

I've met several teachers with similar qualifications who have been told likewise. We still have much to offer, and, in some cases, more. In the end, the children may be losing the most as the experienced teachers are simply locked out. Teachers who leave a system and want to enter another should have free-agent status, as in sports.

Solution: It must be frustrating to feel you are losing out because you have more education and experience than most, but the problem you have described is a realistic one.

One suggestion is to try applying to private schools that are not mandated by states or unions regarding their salary scales. A few phone calls will help you find out which schools in your area fit into this category. Often they are thrilled to get a highly qualified teacher.

Somewhere in the interviewing process, you need to make it clear that you are willing to work for less than your qualifications would indicate because of the non-material benefits the schools offer, such as smaller classes.

Another suggestion is to obtain a position as a substitute so you become known by the school principal.

Principals in Chicago, for example, have a lot of autonomy in determining who fills teaching positions and they prefer to hire people they know and respect. Currently there are many positions occupied by temporary teachers in Chicago.

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